“There are 35,000 to 37,000 people employed in the industry in Ireland and I would nearly bet at Cabinet table if I asked how many hairdressers do you think work in Ireland, this figure would not be common knowledge.

“Hairdressing is a profession. I certainly wouldn’t take a scissors to any ladies here or try to colour. We’re seeing this in our education system with a degree programme in colouring and cutting for hair.”